Exciting Updates in Mobile Gaming: Monument Valley 3 and More!

Welcome to Installer No. 64: Your Weekly Guide to the Latest Trends

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 64, your ultimate guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff around. If you’re new here, prepare for an interesting mix of weird documentaries, and don’t forget to catch up on our previous editions at the Installer homepage!

This week, I’ve immersed myself in topics like raw milk, $HAWK, and WhatsApp, while catching up on binge-worthy shows like A Man on the Inside and the latest Ken Burns documentary on da Vinci. My current obsession also includes the delightful The Great British Bake Off, and I’ve done a surprising amount of research on pizza stones.

Alongside these, I’m excited to recommend a few new mobile games, a must-see E Ink tablet, a stunning to-dos app, and so much more. Surprisingly, it’s a Netflix-centric week, which is rare for mid-December—let’s dive in!

The Drop: Must-Try Content

Monument Valley 3

If I had to pick, Monument Valley is right up there as my favorite mobile game series. It’s visually stunning, soothing yet engaging, and incredibly replayable, complemented by a captivating soundtrack! While it’s a thrill to say “you need a Netflix subscription to play this on your mobile,” it truly enhances the experience for current subscribers.

Mozi

This new app created by Ev Williams, the founder of Twitter and Medium, allows you to connect with friends and coordinate plans in a refreshing way. While it may seem niche, it fills a void left by Facebook. In a world craving authentic connections, it could be a hit!

iOS 18.2

A quick note for iPhone users: Apart from the usual updates, you can now customize your default apps under Settings > Apps > Default Apps. This feature allows you to choose your preferred preference for keyboards, calls, emails, and more—truly an improvement for personalizing your device!

The Supernote A5 X2 Manta

With a bit of a silly name but impressive looks, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta is the latest E Ink tablet designed to be both upgradeable and repairable. Priced at $459, it’s an investment for those who favor durability in their tech.

Joi Planner

I have a soft spot for beautiful apps, and Joi Planner, a combination calendar, tasks, and habit tracker, is a standout with its visually pleasing layout. Though it lacks some features, the design is simply delightful.

Nickel Boys

This adaptation of the poignant novel is generating quite a buzz, filmed primarily in first-person perspectives, and is expected to be an awards contender—don't miss out!

Behind the Scenes: The Simpsons and Football Broadcasts

If you’re curious about how animated side broadcasts for major events are created, check out this new video detailing the technical aspects of shooting football for television—a fascinating behind-the-scenes adventure.

Carry-On

With increasing visibility across my feeds, this Netflix movie has made a splash and might just hold the record for revealing an entire plot in its trailer. I plan to watch it this weekend, hoping it weaves itself into the holiday canon alongside Die Hard.

Screen Share: Esther Cohen’s Homescreen Revealed

Have you subscribed to The Verge yet? While it’s not required to enjoy Installer, you should definitely check it out! Our director of subscriptions, Esther Cohen, has been tirelessly planning for our future. I asked her to share her homescreen with us, revealing her favorite apps!

Esther’s phone of choice is the iPhone 15. On her screen, you’ll find:

• Weather
• Settings
• Apple Maps
• Safari
• Slack
• The Verge
• Apple Notes
• Spotify
• Phone
• Mail
• Messages
• WhatsApp

As she summarized, her top corner holds utility apps for day-to-day activities, while the bottom left features work-related apps, including Slack and The Verge homepage. Her calendar widget is indispensable for tracking meetings and projects.

Among her favorite pastimes, Esther enjoys:

• Watching Shrinking, which she finds refreshingly sincere.
• Playing Mahjong with her kids, a cherished family tradition.
• Listening to Molière: Le Spectacle Musical, fascinatingly catchy tunes despite the language barrier.
• Reading The Atlantic, which keeps her engaged and informed.

Crowdsourced Recommendations!

Here’s what the Installer community is diving into this week:

• “I’m learning 3D modeling because I just got a Bambu A1.” — Erwin
• “My favorite music-to-work-by site is myNoise, particularly ‘Medieval Library’.” — Molly
• “Caves of Qud is the most intriguing game I’ve played—ten characters deep!” — Jack
• “I just finished Deep Work by Cal Newport, really insightful stuff.” — Ankur
• “Completely enamored with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold; the design is stunning!” — Abhi
• “Excited for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle—long-awaited adventure!” — Mike
• “Reading Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson is a thrilling ride!” — Jiatao
• “I’m impressed by the Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds for the price!” — Alex
• “I recently bought the ROG Ally X; can’t wait to dual boot with Bazzite!” — Benny
• “Finished Stories Are Weapons by Annalee Newitz; an enlightening read.” — Kailey
• “Delighted by the graphic novel Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound!” — Mike

Holiday Gift Ideas

As we gear up for the holiday season, here are some thoughtful gift ideas based on suggestions shared from last week’s Vergecast:

• Power Banks: Always a practical gift for keeping devices charged!
• Scratchers: A bit of fun lottery excitement never hurts.
• Local Gift Cards: Encourage experiencing new local spots beyond the usual Starbucks.
• Coffee: Who wouldn’t appreciate some quality coffee beans?
• Candles: A cozy gift, perfect for creating a warm atmosphere.

These suggestions have lightened my holiday shopping burden! If you have more ideas, feel free to share—I’m open to any gift-giving tips and tricks.

See you next week!